"Lady Oracle," by Margaret Atwood

Novel, 1976

Enthralling novel about identity and self-determination, in which narratives are used to explore relationships drawn in sweeping fashion and sometimes bizarre characters interact with occasionally fantastical plot elements. While the ending might feel a little woolly, this is essentially a compelling, empathetic account of the heroine, whose guises and disguises see her running away from herself and constantly, compulsively reinventing herself. A book for literature buffs who can handle seances and characters called The Royal Porcupine.

"Dance of the Happy Shades", by Alice Munro

Fiction, 1968

Excellent collection of early stories from Alice Munro in which senses and incidents - usually domestic and unremarkable - are described and shot through with details which, often as not, give a real emotive kick up the backside. In describing situations and behaviours, Munro evokes huge feelings of sadness or disquiet, but at all times, humanity shines through. These stories are at once delicate and robust and reward close reading and reflection.

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"Half Blood Blues", by Esi Edugyan

Novel, 2011

A story of betrayal and part reconciliation, looking at the relationships between members of a jazz band who'd split after the Nazi crackdowns in Berlin and then the invasion in Paris. This is an entertaining, vividly drawn work which occasionally veers perhaps a little too far into a retelling of history, but which nonetheless effectively tells a good story evolving round Sid, who's slowly revealed as an interesting main character. Maybe some of the historical detail caused very infrequent lags in the pacing, but then again, an interesting as well as informative and enjoyable read.